Strong start just what Warner Robins needed

WARNER ROBINS — The stands were just about packed, at least the part in the shade. The fans were enthusiastic and loud, especially when they stomped their feet on the metal stands in thunderous approval.

And the Warner Robins American Little League All-Stars didn’t disappoint.

It was the perfect start to the Little League Southeastern Region Tournament for Warner Robins on Thursday at the Little League Southeast Park. With a title in this year’s tournament, Warner Robins would return to Oregon for the World Series, which last year’s Warner Robins team won.

If this year’s Warner Robins team continues to play the way it did Thursday, there’s a good chance it will be making the long trek west. There is still plenty of work to do with two pool games to play and then possible semifinal and championship games on the horizon, but the Warner Robins team has to feel good about itself after Thursday’s action.

And the Warner Robins fans certainly have to feel good about their team.

Much to the large crowd’s delight, Warner Robins beat South Carolina 12-0 and did so in dominant fashion. Warner Robins scored four runs in each inning to get off to a lightning quick start to the tournament and controlled the contest from the very start.

Leadoff hitter Sierra Stella jump-started the offense with her magical bat work, and the rest of the lineup made South Carolina pay as Warner Robins racked up 13 hits.

Pitcher Ashley Lamb pitcher was her usual dominant self, pitching the first three innings and allowing just one hit. Ashley Killebrew came in to finish off the game and a short day of work for Warner Robins, which won the game in only four innings because of the mercy rule. And to top it off, the defense behind both pitchers was dazzling throughout, making several nice plays both in the infield and the outfield.

In all, it added up to just the start Warner Robins needed. With its second game at 10 a.m. on Friday and a third pool game set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Warner Robins certainly is in strong position its strong start.

The players and fans just need to continue with the kind of effort they gave Thursday — both in the field and the stands — and the Warner Robins team should be able to continue to take advantage of that start.